Melissa Spear has led our work as Executive Director at Tilth Alliance for the last eight years. She guided us through the integration of three distinct organizations into the largest sustainable food-system nonprofit in Washington State. She supported us in navigating the pandemic, evolved programming in response to community needs, and significantly grew our impact. She not only provided stability, she helped us define our vision and created a solid foundation for us to build from as an organization. 

We are grateful for everything Melissa has brought to Tilth Alliance. It is bittersweet to announce her decision to transition to a well-earned retirement. 

Read her open letter to the community below.

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Dear Tilth Alliance community,

After eight meaningful years, I am writing to share that I will be stepping out of my role as Executive Director of Tilth Alliance and passing the baton to new leadership. This decision comes with deep gratitude for the privilege of working alongside such a dedicated, passionate, and visionary community.

When I joined Tilth Alliance, I was inspired both by its history of significant impact and its forward-looking vision of a more sustainable, healthy, and equitable food future. Over these past eight years, I have seen the organization grow even stronger through the work of our staff, board, volunteers, partners, donors, farmers, gardeners, educators, advocates, and neighbors. Together, we have expanded programs, strengthened relationships, and deepened our impact across the communities we serve.

What has inspired me most is the spirit of this community: people who show up with care, creativity, and determination to grow good food, steward the land, share knowledge, and build connections. It has been an honor to be part of this work and to witness the many ways Tilth Alliance brings people together around food, farms, gardens, and environmental stewardship.

Although stepping away is bittersweet, I do so with confidence in Tilth Alliance’s future. The organization is rooted in strong values, guided by a committed board and talented staff, and supported by an extraordinary community. I know Tilth Alliance will continue to adapt, lead, and inspire in the years ahead.

Thank you for your trust, partnership, encouragement, and support throughout my tenure at Tilth Alliance. I am deeply grateful for all we have accomplished together and for the friendships and memories I will carry forward. While I am retiring from my role as Tilth Alliance’s Executive Director, I will continue to stand alongside all of you to build a resilient community food system rooted in social, ecological and economic values that lay the foundation for a fair, just and thriving society.

With appreciation,
Melissa Spear

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We have begun our search for a new Executive Director.

Tilth Alliance is on a solid foundation and well-positioned to bring on a new leader to help us continue evolving the organization in pursuit of our mission to build a sustainable, healthy and equitable food future.